How an AFL nightmare won’t stop talented Tasmanian teenager Mitch O’Neill

Just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong for a Tasmanian draftee, but the season from hell has not destroyed his AFL dreams.

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A WORLDWIDE pandemic, injuries and then cut without ever representing the West Coast Eagles in an official game — Tasmanian teenage gun Mitch O’Neill’s AFL dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

But now the 19-year-old is looking to the future and a change of luck.

After being taken as a rookie in last year’s draft, O’Neill had only a one-year contract to impress but was beset by a staggering run of misfortune that killed his chances of forging a career at the powerhouse club.

A serious back injury incurred on the eve of the season followed by the COVID outbreak and shut down of the season saw him head home to Hobart.

He finally recovered and rejoined the Eagles, in a hub on the Gold Coast, in round 16 only to find the club so beset by injuries they didn’t have the numbers to field a side for reduced practice matches.

Mitchell O'Neill of the Eagles (centre) jogs laps with Luke Shuey and Liam Ryan during a West Coast Eagles pre-season AFL training session in Perth. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Aside from being sidelined with the back injury for four months, he also had to endure six weeks of quarantine in his travels.

Having battled some down days, O’Neill was now full of positive thoughts on his past 12 months.

“There has never been an AFL season like it so to be a part of it is kind of weird and special,” O”Neill said.

“For me it was a frustrating year and I just couldn’t get a good run of it with COVID and injury and it was my one year to have a real big crack at it.

“There is nothing you can do when it is a perfect storm for you.

“Hopefully next year there is another opportunity and it will go my way.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“The people I met were amazing, the club was amazing and I was just grateful for the opportunity they gave me in the first place.”

Mitch O'Neill breaks away from his opponent while playing for the Devils. Picture: GRANT WELLS

The dual under-18 All-Australian from North Hobart has added 5 kgs as he rebuilds himself as an inside midfielder going forward.

His manager, fellow Tasmanian Tim Hazell, has received some interest from other AFL clubs so O’Neill will continue to train and prepare for 2021 when he returns to Hobart on Tuesday.

“There is a bit more interest elsewhere, but you’ve just got to wait to see what happens,” he said.

“I had a big pre-season with an AFL club and that little stint in the home and away season (in the Gold Coast hub) was pretty special.

“The stuff I know, you can’t teach that elsewhere.

“Even half a year was very helpful for my development and my football going forward.”

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